Coil compacting and strapping apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for compacting and strapping cylindrical product coils. Each coil is transported to a position between spaced oppositely disposed compacting elements. The compacting elements, which are movable in a direction parallel to the coil axis, are then advanced symmetrically towards each other to axially compact the coil. Thereafter, strapping devices are operatively positioned and actuated to apply a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining straps to the coil while the coil remains axially compacted between the compacting elements. The compacting elements and strapping devices are then returned to their inoperative positions, and the compacted strapped coil is removed to another location.

United States Patent 72] Inventor Martin Gilvar Westboro, Mass.

[21] Appl. No. 16,876

[22] Filed Mar. 5,1970

[45] Patented Jan. 11, 1972 [73] Assignee Morgan Construction Company Worcester, Mass.

[54] COIL COMPACTING AND STRAPPING Primary ExaminerBilly J. Wilhite Attorney-Chittick, Pfund, Birch, Samuels & Gauthier ABSTRACT: An apparatus and method for compacting and APPARATUS strapping cylindrical product coils. Each coil is transported to 6Claims,7 Drawing Figs. a position between spaced oppositely disposed compacting [52] U 8 Cl loo/3 elements. The compacting elements, which are movable in a loo/264 direction parallel to the coil axis, are then advanced symmetri- [51] Int Cl B65b 13/02 cally towards each other to axially compact the coil. [50] Fieid "214/89 130 Thereafter, strapping devices are operatively positioned and i 12 264 actuated to apply a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining straps to the coil while the coil remains axially com- [55] References Cited pacted between the compacting elements. The compacting UNITED STATES PATENTS elements and strapping devices are then returned to their in- 2 901 966 9/1959 B h loo/l2 operative positions, and the compacted strapped coil is 0C 61 removed to another location 2,930,313 3/1960 Bocher 100/12X r 3,118,367 i/l964 l ir dholrn loo/12 x 5 3 l l o 1 vmsmeumume 3633.492

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SHEET 5 OF 5 IFJVEFJTOR, MA RTIN G/LVAR ATTORNEYS COIL COMPACTING AND STRAPPING APPARATUS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to material-handling apparatus, and more particularly to an improved apparatus and method for axially compacting and strapping cylindrical product coils.

The invention will hereinafter'be described in connection with a compacting and strapping operation on the coiled end product of a rolling mill. It is to be understood, however, that this particular use is being employed herein for illustrative purposes only, and is not to be considered as a limitation upon the scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

In a rolling mill, product coils are often transported from one location to another by means of a hook conveyor. The hook conveyor usually includes a plurality depending hooks driven along a given path by an overhead chain conveyor system. Under certain operating conditions, the coils may remain on the hook conveyor in a relatively loose condition free from axial restraint for an extended period of time, thus allowing the coiled product to cool down from the higher temperatures maintained during rolling. At other times, the hook conveyor may be employed merely as a convenient means for moving coils from one location to another.

In order to facilitate subsequent coil handling, storage and shipment, it usually is desirable to axially compact and strap the coils. This is particularly true of the larger product coils now being produced by modern mill installations. Experience has indicated, however, that a number of problems are associated with the compacting and strapping devices which have heretofore been developed. For example, many of these known devices employ a single movable element which cooperates with a stationary element to compact a coil therebetween. Such devices have the undesirable effect of shifting the coil s center of gravity during compaction. Where coils are supported on pivotal elements, such as the hooks of a hook conveyor system, a shift in the position of the coils center of gravity causes tipping of the hooks, a factor which in turn complicates the design and positioning of downstream coil handling equipment.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for compacting and strapping product coils.

A more specific object of the present invention is to carry out the compacting and strapping operation while the conveyor hook remains axially inserted through the coil and without shifting the center of gravity of the coil in relation to the hook. This is accomplished by lowering the hook to initially position the coil between oppositely disposed compacting elements, and thereafter symmetrically advancing both elements to axially compact the coil therebetween. A strapping operation is then performed, preferably simultaneously, at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations, while the coil remains compacted between the compacting elements. Once this has been accomplished, the strapping machines and compacting elements are withdrawn and the conveyor hook is again employed to pick up and carry the compacted and strapped coil to another location further along the path defined by the hook conveyor.

A number of advantages result from employing this type of apparatus and mode of operation. For example, extra unloading and loading operations are avoided by allowing the coiled product to remain on the hook conveyor throughout the compacting and strapping operation. By symmetrically advancing the compacting elements towards the center of the path, the coil is axially compacted from either end without shifting its center of gravity in relation to the conveyor hook. Accordingly, when the coil is subsequently picked up and carried further along the path, the attitude of the hook from which the coil is again suspended will not be changed. This result, which facilitates the location and arrangement of downstream unloading equipment, is achieved regardless of the size or weight of the coil being handled.

The use of two oppositely disposed compacting elements, each of which is symmetrically advanced towards the other, also speeds up the compacting cycle without exceeding conservative operating speeds for the piston and cylinder assemblies used to drive the compacting elements.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood as the description proceeds with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view, with parts broken away, of an arrangement embodying the concepts of the present invention, with a loaded conveyor hook approaching a point overlying the compacting and strapping apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the loaded hook positioned directly over the space between the compacting elements;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2; and,

FIGS. 4-7 are schematic illustrations depicting the operational sequence of the apparatus shown in the previous drawings.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a compacting and strapping apparatus generally indicated at 10 extending in a generally transverse direction across the path P" of an overlying hook conveyor 12. The hook conveyor is of a known type, and includes a track 14 on which is movably mounted a plurality of carriages 16 (only one being shown in the drawings). Each carriage has a depending conveyor hook l8 pivotally attached thereto as at 23. The carriages 16 are driven along track 14 by means of an overhead chain drive 22. The chain drive has depending connectors 24 which may be selectively connected and disconnected to the underlying carriages 16. This arrangement enables a carriage 16 to be moved along track 14 by chain drive 22 to a desired location, for example to a point overlying the compacting and strapping apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The carriage may then be stopped at this location by simply disconnecting it from the overhead chain drive.

The conveyor hooks each have a lower longitudinal extension 19 which is adapted to extend axially through a coil C. With the coil thus suspended on the hook 18, the path P" of the hook conveyor extends in a transverse direction relative to the axis of the coil. However, it will of course be understood that if desired, the compacting and strapping apparatus 10 and the lower longitudinal extension 19 of each conveyor hook might be arranged in line with the hook conveyor path P."

A section 14a of the track 14 overlying the compacting and strapping apparatus 10 is supported by means of large horseshoe-shaped members 26. The members 26 are operatively connected to a suitable hoisting means (not shown), thereby enabling the track section 14a to be vertically displaced between a raised position at the level of the remaining track length 14 (shown in FIG. 2) and a lowered position (shown in FIG. 4).

The compacting and strapping mechanism 10 is comprised basically of a pair of compacting elements 34a and 34b located below and on either side of the path P" traveled by the conveyor hooks 18. As is best shown in FIG. 3, eachcompacting element is provided with laterally disposed wheels 36 which run along spaced parallel rails or tracks 38. The compacting elements are symmetrically driven along rails 38 in relation to the path P of hook conveyor by means of heavy duty double-acting hydraulic cylinders 40. Although a single heavy duty cylinder 40 has been employed to drive each compacting element in the embodiment shown in the drawing, it will be evident that alternatively, a-plurality of smaller sized cylinders might be employed to accomplish the same purpose.

In the embodiment herein shown, a plurality of strapping machines 42a, 42b and 420 are employed to simultaneously apply threeretaining straps to the coils being compacted to the apparatus. Strapping machine 42a is located on one side of path P adjacent compacting element 34a and is movably mounted on a rail assembly 44 by means of wheels 46 and 48. Rail assembly 44 extends alongside and parallel to one of the adjacent rails 38 carrying the compacting elements 34a and 34b. Strapping machine 42!; is similarly mounted on the other side of path P on another parallel rail assembly 50. The strapping machines 42a and 42b are advanced and retracted along their respective rails 44' and 50 by means of piston and cylinder assemblies 52. Each of the strapping machines 42a and 42b is provided with half of a strap track section 54. The mating halves 56 of the strap track sections are oppositely mounted on the guide rails 44 and 50 and are advanced and retracted by means of their own operating cylinder 58.

The other strapping machine 42c is mounted at a fixed location beneath the apparatus. A pair of strap track sections 60 and 62 cooperate with strapping machine 420. Each of the strap track sections 60 and 62 is movable along another set of guide rails 64 by means of operating cylinders 66. As will hereinafter become more apparent, operation of the strapping machines and their respective strap tracks results in the simultaneous application of three retaining straps or bands, spaced 120 apart, to a coil when the latter is compacted between the compacting elements 34a and 34b.

The operation of the apparatus will now be described with additional reference to FIGS. 4-7. The compacting and strapping cycle begins with a loaded hook 18 located as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 at a position overlying the compacting and strapping apparatus 10. When in this position, the carriage I6 is disconnected from the overlying chain drive 22 and is thus at rest, supported on track section 14a with the coil C located above the space between the retracted compacting elements 340 and 34b.

Track section 14a is next lowered to the position shown in FIG. 4. This deposits the coil C on a pair of spaced parallel support members 68 (see FIG. 3) located between and slightly below rails 38. When thus positioned, the coil axis is aligned in parallel relationship with rails 38, and the full weight of the coil is transferred from hook 18 onto support member 68.

As shown in FIG. 5, the coil C is then compacted by symmetrically advancing the compacting elements 34a and 3417. By symmetrically compacting the coil from opposite ends, the position of the coil s center of gravity remains unchanged relative to the axially inserted horizontally disposed extension 19 of the hook 18. With the coil C thus axially compacted between compacting elements 34a and 34b, the strapping elements are next operatively positioned as shown in FIG. 6. To this end, cylinders 52 and 58 are actuated to advance strapping machines 42a and 42b and their respective strap track sections 54 and 56 to the positions indicated. At the same time, cylinders 66 are actuated to advance strap track sections 60 and 62 into operative association with the lowermost stationary strapping machine 42c. Once this has been accomplished, the strapping machines are cycled to apply three retaining bands or straps to the compacted coil at 120 intervals around the coils circumference. Although the apparatus as shown applying three straps, it will be understood that a greater or lesser number of straps may be applied, and that if desired, the straps may be applied sequentially rather than simultaneously.

With further reference to FIG. 7, it will be seen that following the compacting and strapping operating, the compacting elements and the strapping devices are retracted to their inoperative positions and the track section 14a is again elevated to the same level as the remaining length of track 14. The attitude of the pivotal carrier hook 18 remains unchanged in comparison to that shown in F l0. 2 due to the fact that the center of gravity of the compacted strapped coil C has not been shifted during the compacting and strapping operation. Thereafter, the carriage I6 is again connected to the chain drive 22, thus causing the unloaded hook 18 to be moved along track 14.

Having thus described a preferred embodiment of the invention, the earlier mentioned advantages will now be better understood by those skilled in the art. By way of review, it is important to note that by symmetrically compacting the coil to avoid any shifting of the coil s center of gravity, subsequent swinging or tipping of the conveyor hook is avoided. Also, coil handling is simplified by allowing the conveyor hook to remain axially inserted through the coil throughout the compacting and strapping cycle.

It is my intention to cover all changes and modifications of the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of disclosure which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

lclaim:

1. Apparatus for compacting and strapping a cylindrical product coil comprising: transport means for carrying the coil along a given path, said transport means including an elongated member extending axially through the coil with the coil being substantially free from axial restraint while on said member, compacting means for axially compacting the coil on said transport means while said elongated member remains axially inserted through the coil, said compacting means including compacting elements arranged to engage opposite ends of the coil, said compacting means further including drive means for symmetrically moving each of said compacting elements towards the center of said path so as to axially compact the coil therebetween; and, strapping means for simultaneously applying retaining straps to the coil at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations while the coil remains compacted between said compacting elements.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transport means is comprised of a hook carrier having a plurality of books movable along said path at a level above that of said compacting means, each hook being adapted to axially sup port a cylindrical product coil, and means for lowering a hook overlying said compacting means to a level such that the coil supported thereon is positioned between said compacting elements.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said drive means include at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder connected to each compacting element, the said compacting elements being movably mounted on rail members extending in a direction transverse to said path.

4. Apparatus for compacting and strapping cylindrical product coils, said apparatus comprising: a pair of spaced compacting elements located on opposite sides of and beneath a given path; transport means including a hook for carrying a coil along said path to a position overlying the space between said compacting elements; means for lowering said hook to position the coil between said compacting elements; means for symmetrically advancing said compacting elements towards the center of said path so as to axially compact the coil without shifting the center of gravity of the coil in relation to said path, and, means for applying a plurality of retaining straps to the coil while the coil remains compacted between said compacting elements.

5. Coil-handling apparatus comprising in combination: a hook for transporting a coil, said hook extending axially through the coil with the coil being substantially free from axial restraint while on said hook; compacting means for compacting said coil in a manner such that the position of the center of gravity of said coil remains substantially unchanged relative to said hook; and, means for strapping said coil simultaneously at a plurality of circumferentially spaced points while the coil remains compacted by said compacting means, whereby following. the compacting and strapping operation, the attitude of said hook remains substantially unaffected because the position of the center of gravity of the coil has not been significantly shifted during the compacting and strapping operation.

6. A method of compacting and strapping a product coil comprising the steps of: transporting the coil along a path transverse to the coil axis to a position overlying a pair of spaced compacting elements; lowering the coil to a position between said elements; axially compacting the coil by symmetrically advancing said elements towards one another, the said axial compaction taking place without shifting the center of gravity of the coil relative to said path; simultaneously applying a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining straps to the coil while the coil remains axially compacted between 3,633,492 7 6 said elements; and, thereafter retracting the compacting elements prior to transporting the compacted strapped coil along said path to another location.

I I! t II 39 UNITED STA'IES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,633,492 I Dated January'll, 1972 Inventofls) Martin Gilvar It is certified that error appeare in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 1, line 17 after "plurality" insert -of pivotaily Signed and sealed this 5th day of September 1972 (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD ILFLIQTGHERJR. ROBERT GOTT SCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. Apparatus for compacting and strapping a cylindrical product coil comprising: transport means for carrying the coil along a given path, said transport means including an elongated member extending axially through the coil with the coil being substantially free from axial restraint while on said member, compacting means for axially compacting the coil on said transport means while said elongated member remains axially inserted through the coil, said compacting means including compacting elements arranged to engage opposite ends of the coil, said compacting means further including drive means for symmetrically moving each of said compacting elements towards the center of said path so as to axially compact the coil therebetween; and, strapping means for simultaneously applying retaining straps to the coil at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations while the coil remains compacted between said compacting elements.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said transport means is comprised of a hook carrier having a plurality of hooks movable along said path at a level above that of said compacting means, each hook being adapted to axially support a cylindrical product coil, and means for lowering a hook overlying said compacting means to a level such that the coil supported thereon is positioned between said compacting elements.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said drive means include at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder connected to each cOmpacting element, the said compacting elements being movably mounted on rail members extending in a direction transverse to said path.
 4. Apparatus for compacting and strapping cylindrical product coils, said apparatus comprising: a pair of spaced compacting elements located on opposite sides of and beneath a given path; transport means including a hook for carrying a coil along said path to a position overlying the space between said compacting elements; means for lowering said hook to position the coil between said compacting elements; means for symmetrically advancing said compacting elements towards the center of said path so as to axially compact the coil without shifting the center of gravity of the coil in relation to said path, and, means for applying a plurality of retaining straps to the coil while the coil remains compacted between said compacting elements.
 5. Coil-handling apparatus comprising in combination: a hook for transporting a coil, said hook extending axially through the coil with the coil being substantially free from axial restraint while on said hook; compacting means for compacting said coil in a manner such that the position of the center of gravity of said coil remains substantially unchanged relative to said hook; and, means for strapping said coil simultaneously at a plurality of circumferentially spaced points while the coil remains compacted by said compacting means, whereby following the compacting and strapping operation, the attitude of said hook remains substantially unaffected because the position of the center of gravity of the coil has not been significantly shifted during the compacting and strapping operation.
 6. A method of compacting and strapping a product coil comprising the steps of: transporting the coil along a path transverse to the coil axis to a position overlying a pair of spaced compacting elements; lowering the coil to a position between said elements; axially compacting the coil by symmetrically advancing said elements towards one another, the said axial compaction taking place without shifting the center of gravity of the coil relative to said path; simultaneously applying a plurality of circumferentially spaced retaining straps to the coil while the coil remains axially compacted between said elements; and, thereafter retracting the compacting elements prior to transporting the compacted strapped coil along said path to another location. 